DEM Annual Report - Department of Emergency Management

Transcription

DEM Annual Report - Department of Emergency Management
 Annual Report 2011–2012
Letter from the Executive Director
August 1, 2012
The Honorable Edwin M. Lee
Mayor
City and County of San Francisco
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
To Mayor Lee:
I am pleased to present the FY 2011–2012 Annual Report for the Department of Emergency Management (DEM).
This has been an exciting year for DEM as we coordinate several major projects for San Francisco and the Bay Area.
DEM has taken a leadership role in logistics and emergency planning for the
America’s Cup races scheduled in San Francisco for 2012 and 2013. DEM
also works closely with the Fleet Week Association to plan the annual Fleet
Week events. In addition, DEM is leading the development of a new regional
public safety communications network called the Bay Area Regional
Interoperable Communications System (BayRICS), which will allow first
responders throughout the Bay Area to communicate seamlessly, both during a
disaster and day-to-day.
In the past year, we have continued to strengthen our community outreach and
preparedness activities. This report describes several of DEM’s cutting-edge
innovations, including: the SF Heroes app for iPhone and Android devices; the
“Who Are You Shopping For?” preparedness campaign; and our use of social
media such as Twitter and Facebook to both inform our community of
emergencies, and to provide preparedness messaging.
DEM is also planning for challenges in the coming year. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is reducing
available grant funding to local governments, leaving us with difficult choices for maintaining citywide disaster
management programs. We will work closely with our partners in public safety to identify and maintain our top
priorities, to ensure that San Francisco continues to be “Our City, Ready for Anything.”
We are extremely proud of our accomplishments in the past year, and look forward to your review.
Sincerely,
Anne Kronenberg
Executive Director
City and County of San Francisco
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
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Annual Report 2011–2012
DEM Mission
The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (DEM) leads the City in planning, preparedness,
communication, response, and recovery for daily emergencies, large scale citywide events, and major disasters. DEM
is the vital link in emergency communication between the public and first responders, and provides key coordination
and leadership to City departments, stakeholders, residents, and visitors.
The Department of Emergency Management — 1011 Turk Street.
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Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
Key Accomplishments FY 2011–2012
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Managed 1,017,010 calls to 9–1–1.
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Provided translation for 14,337 non-English calls to 9–1–1.
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Provided 21 emergency management training sessions for over 700 participants.
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Organized or coordinated eight exercises for approximately 500 participants.
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Developed or updated six emergency plans.
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Reviewed 100 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Plans for special events.
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Secured approval by the Board of Supervisors for the Bay Area Wireless Enhanced Broadband (BayWEB) public
safety communications system.
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Hosted the 2011 National Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Conference in San Francisco.
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Implemented new Crisis Information Management Software (Web EOC) and trained over 300 City employees on
how to use the system.
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Recruited 250 volunteers to participate in the new statewide Disaster Corps program, developed to coordinate the
deployment of disaster volunteers across California.
City and County of San Francisco
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Annual Report 2011–2012
DEM Organization
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Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
Priority Projects
Bay Area Regional Interoperable Communications System (BayRICS)
BayRICS is a regional initiative to improve wireless emergency communications throughout the 10 Bay Area
Counties. The system will enable the San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco Fire Department, and other
public safety agencies throughout the Bay Area to share information more quickly and efficiently, during both day-today operations and major emergencies. For example, new broadband
applications will enable responders to view the layout of a burning
BayWEB will enable public
building before entering it, or to transmit video images from an accident
safety agencies throughout
scene.
the Bay Area to share
In May 2011, DEM successfully managed legislation at the Board of
information, both day-to-day
Supervisors to approve San Francisco’s membership in the BayRICS
and during an emergency.
Joint Powers Authority (JPA), which was established to govern the
initiative, including the funding and legal requirements, and
implementation. DEM Executive Director Anne Kronenberg and Police Chief Greg Suhr represent San Francisco on
the JPA, and DEM staff led the negotiation with the project vendor, Motorola Solutions, Inc. In February 2012, the
Board of Supervisors passed legislation managed by DEM that approved a Site Access and Use Agreement between the
City and Motorola, which will allow Motorola to begin installing equipment for the project in San Francisco.
Funding for the broadband portion of the system, known as BayWEB, is provided by a $50.6 million federal stimulus
grant from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), as well as matching funds from Motorola.
The BayWEB network has a target completion date of 2014.
Special Events Planning
DEM has begun to take a lead role in managing the public safety
aspects of how special events are planned, permitted, and executed
in San Francisco, in order to ensure consistent standards and
improve outcomes. By applying the principals of the Incident
Command System on a daily basis and practicing interdepartmental
coordination during planned, low-risk events, the City as a whole is
better prepared to manage unexpected crises.
In the past year, DEM has successfully collaborated with public
safety agencies and event producers on numerous events —
including the 101st running of the Bay to Breakers race, the
National Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Conference, and
Fleet Week activities. During Bay to Breakers, the City tested new
methods to handle intoxicated individuals without impacting EMS
or law enforcement capacity. By partnering with the race
organizers, people in need of medical attention were properly cared
for, while the demand on emergency services was greatly reduced.
A boat practices for the America’s Cup on
The 2011 Fleet Week was the biggest and most content-rich
San Francisco Bay. experience in decades. In partnership with the San Francisco Fleet
Week Association, DEM assisted in the coordination of multiple stakeholders and agencies across a wide array of
activities — ranging from the Marina Green displays and events, to interagency seminars on disaster response.
City and County of San Francisco
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Annual Report 2011–2012
America’s Cup Coordination
DEM is playing a key role in the operational planning and execution of the America’s Cup World Series
(ACWS), scheduled in San Francisco for 2012 and 2013. DEM designed and executed an ACWS Exercise
Series, which encompassed three progressively more complex exercises, involving a broad range of
government, private sector, and nongovernmental agencies. The goal of the Exercise Series was to vet and
test the seven primary ACWS operational plans, focusing on coordination among local, regional, State, and
federal agencies during complex incidents occurring on a peak race day.
Exercise 1 Plan Review Workshop — January 18, 2012: Focused on identifying areas of integration,
vetting planning assumptions, and addressing unanswered questions in the seven primary
operational plans.
Exercise 2 “Good Day at the Races” — March 21, 2012: Tabletop exercise focused on clarifying the
decisions and coordination among local, regional, State, and federal entities working at the
field level during a standard peak race day. Exercise 3 “Bad Day at the Races” — April 11, 2012: Tabletop exercise in which participants
discussed the impacts of three increasingly complex incident scenarios on the operational
plans occurring on a peak race day of ACWS. These included a bridge jumper, a protest,
and a multi-casualty incident. The ACWS Exercise Series was extremely successful, as it thoroughly tested the ACWS operational plans
and identified both areas of strength and areas for improvement. The Exercise Series brought together almost
60 local, State, federal, military, private, and nonprofit agencies, and provided them a productive forum in
which to think through and discuss actual scenarios that may occur during ACWS in 2012 and 2013. In
addition, participants were able to
form beneficial relationships with
other agencies involved with
America’s Cup planning.
DEM leads multiple agencies at the “Bad Day at the Races” exercise.
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Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
EMAP Certification
DEM is currently pursuing Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) certification, which is targeted
for completion in 2013. EMAP is a standards-based voluntary assessment and peer review accreditation process for
government disaster management programs. The accreditation process involves an initial self assessment, followed
by an on-site assessment performed by emergency management
professionals from across the nation. An assessment report of DEM
San Francisco will become
capabilities will be reviewed by industry experts. When all standards are
one of only a handful of
met, San Francisco will become one of only a handful of cities
cities nationwide to receive
nationwide to receive this designation. By seeking and attaining EMAP
accreditation, the City will demonstrate its commitment to excellence and
EMAP certification.
accountability in disaster management.
Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System Upgrade
DEM’s CAD system is the City’s main 9–1–1 call processing application. When a 9–1–1 call is answered at DEM,
the CAD system tracks all of the information about the call, routes it to the appropriate police or fire dispatcher, and
maintains a record of all activities related to that call. The CAD system has been in place since April 2000, and is
now approaching end-of-life. The vendor (Tiburon, Inc.) has notified DEM that the current system will not be
supported after March 2015. The City’s Committee on Information Technology (COIT) approved $3.64 million over
three fiscal years (FY11–12 through FY13–14) to upgrade this critical system. The project includes software,
hardware, integration, and project management, as well as replacement of Tiburon’s proprietary fire station alerting
system. The new, commercial, off-the-shelf system will operate on a standards-based Windows platform, which will
be easier to maintain and cost less than the current system.
The CERS provides two-way voice radio communication for San Francisco’s public safety departments. There are
approximately 7,500 devices that operate on the network. Primary users include DEM, Police Department, Fire
Department, Sheriff’s Department, Department of Parking and Traffic, and Recreation and Park Department.
Originally installed in 2000, the system uses a proprietary analog technology that has now reached its end-of-life with
the manufacturer and cannot be expanded. In addition, there are
several critical components of the system that are at the end-oflife, and no replacement parts are available.
DEM is working with the Department of Technology (DT) and
the Controller’s Office to plan a system refresh. We intend for
the new system to provide improved coverage and utilize the
digital Project 25 standard for interoperable communications.
The system’s replacement cost is estimated at $68.7 million and
will take four years to complete. COIT recently approved this
project as part of its Information, Communications and
Technology Plan. DEM is now working with DT and the
Controller’s Office to identify funding and determine the
implementation timeline.
City and County of San Francisco
San Francisco Battalion Chief Mark Kearney and
San Mateo Battalion Chief Tom Murray
communicate by radio during an exercise.
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Photo: Courtesy of San Francisco Fire Department
800 MHz Citywide Emergency Radio System (CERS) Replacement
Annual Report 2011–2012
9–1–1 Emergency Communications
DEM is the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for all 9–1–1 emergency calls that originate within San Francisco,
including Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), as well as non-emergency calls. DEM also provides
dispatch services to the Police Department, Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, and Department of Parking and
Traffic (12:00 midnight to 6:00 a.m. daily).
Call Evaluation
DEM staff answers incoming 9–1–1 emergency and nonemergency calls from the public, allied agencies, and City
departments, and direct that information via the Computer Aided
Dispatch (CAD) system to the appropriate Public Safety
Dispatcher. They also provide medical instruction, such as CPR,
before the arrival of emergency medical services.
9–1–1 Calls for Service at DEM
Police
80%
Medical
14%
Fire
A dispatcher works on the floor of the 9-1-1
call center at DEM.
6%
Law Enforcement Dispatch (Police and Sheriff)
Dispatchers communicate information via two-way radio, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and Mobile Data
Computer systems to officers in the field. They coordinate response of officers, maintain status of all units, dispatch
incidents, and handle emergency and non-emergency requests from field units.
Fire / EMS Dispatch
Dispatchers ensure appropriate distribution of emergency medical response units. They dispatch Fire suppression
apparatus and medical response units as appropriate to emergency and non-emergency events.
POST Academy and Mandated Program Training
Public Safety Dispatchers are required to successfully complete extensive entry level and on-the-job training, as well
as in-service training to successfully pass probation. Training is mandated by the California Peace Officer Standards
and Training Department (POST) as well as the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED). POST
requires 24 hours of update training every two years and NAED requires 36 hours.
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Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
Continuing Quality Assurance Program (CQA) and Customer Service
All calls to 9–1–1 and all radio dispatches are recorded and time stamped in the CAD system. Goals and standards
are in place for all aspects of dispatching. For example, DEM meets the State goal that 90% of all 9–1–1 calls must
be answered within 10 seconds. DEM conducts a comprehensive quality improvement program, primarily based on
calls and dispatch for emergency medical situations. In addition, dispatchers are regularly monitored and provided
feedback in all areas of dispatching. DEM documents commendable performance, while performance that does not
meet standards may result in retraining or various forms of discipline.
Data Collection and Statistics
DEM staff compiles statistics used to determine staffing levels and our ability to meet established goals.
Key 9-1-1 Statistics for FY 2011-12
Average number of 9–1–1 calls per day
Total number of 9–1–1 calls this year
Percentage of emergency calls
Percentage of non-emergency calls
Average time (in minutes) from call pick-up to
1
dispatch on Code 3 medical calls
90th percentile time (in minutes) from call pick-up to
dispatch on Code 3 medical calls
≈ 2,800
1,017,010
52%
48%
1:52
3:12
Custodian of Records and Sunshine Compliance
The Custodian of Records unit is responsible for supplying official records to authorized requestors, including Police,
Fire, EMS, Public Defender, District Attorney, City Attorney, as well as members of the public. Records include
audio recordings from the public safety radio system, telephone calls into and out of the communications division,
video recordings from the community safety camera system, as well as computer aided dispatch and other written
records. In litigation, business records such as these are allowed into evidence once authenticated by DEM’s
Custodian of Records.
Records Requests Fulfilled in FY 2011-12
9–1–1 Audio Recordings
9,763
Public Safety Radio Recordings
5,292
CAD Records
7,450
Public Safety Camera Recordings
Total:
122
22,627
1
Code 3 is the highest priority call, indicating a life-threatening event.
City and County of San Francisco
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Annual Report 2011–2012
Dispatcher Recruitment and Retention
Historically, recruitment and retention has been one of the most important issues facing DEM. While the recent
downturn in the economy has reduced staff turnover, we must consider the pending retirement of our senior
workforce as part of the Department’s overall strategic and succession planning. A recent overhaul of the hiring
process included the implementation of CritiCall software, which evaluates the aptitude of applicants for the critical
skills and abilities necessary for success in the complex and stressful dispatch environment. Additionally, the oral
board examination questions were revised by subject matter experts, and the background investigation process was
improved by contracting with a third party whose expertise includes background investigations for law enforcement
personnel. As a result, the percentage of recruits who successfully complete training has increased from less than
50% to more than 70%. A new academy class of 10 dispatchers began in February 2012.
9–1–1 Phone System Upgrade and Next Generation 9–1–1
The existing 9–1–1 telephony equipment went live in April 2000 and was upgraded in 2005 (a process that occurs
every five years to ensure stability). The Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) equipment has reached end of life and
the vendor (AT&T) will no longer support enhancements, patches, or expansion. In addition, the State of California
is moving towards replacement of the entire State 9–1–1 infrastructure with a system that supports Next Generation
9–1–1 (the ability for 9–1–1 to receive internet protocol (IP) based communications, such as text, photos, and video).
DEM will request State funding to update our existing system to Next Generation 9–1–1. The estimated project cost
is $2.77 million and is expected to begin in 2014.
A dispatcher works on the floor of the 9–1–1 call center at DEM.
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Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
Emergency Planning
DEM works closely with emergency responders, community
partners, and residents to engage in comprehensive disaster
planning for the City and County of San Francisco. DEM is
active in the community, and functions as a conduit among City
agencies, private industry, and nonprofit groups on a daily basis,
focusing each agency on creating an integrated, well-prepared
network of disaster responders.
DEM has developed and maintains more than 30 plans, annexes,
appendices, and supporting documents that guide preparedness,
response, recovery, and mitigation activities. Topics include
Earthquakes, Care and Shelter, Medical and Health,
Communications, and others.
DEM also works closely with the Bay Area Urban Area Security
Initiative (UASI) to develop regional catastrophic plans that
support terrorism risk and catastrophic earthquake planning.
Plan
FY 11–12 Update
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Developed a Disability Inclusion Appendix to clarify policies, strategies
and resources related to the provision of mass care services to people with
disabilities.
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Developed a Feeding Appendix detailing how City government and local
nonprofit food providers work together to feed people after a disaster.
Donations Management Plan
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Assisted in development of Give2SF.org, an online portal connecting
donors with the San Francisco Disaster Recovery Fund. Donations will
be utilized for reconstruction of buildings and infrastructure.
Community Safety Element
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Participated in development of policies guiding the longer-term recovery
and rebuilding of San Francisco after a catastrophic earthquake.
ESF 15: Joint Information
System Annex
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Updated emergency plan providing guidance on effective conduct of the
City’s media relations and public information in a large-scale emergency.
Disaster Debris Management
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Developed plan for management of debris post-disaster.
Reviewed Six CCSF
Department Plans
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Reviewed and made recommendations on Emergency Response Plans,
Continuity of Operations Plans, and Emergency Plans for the following
departments: the Mayor, Public Health, Recreation and Park (2), Police
Department, and Adult Probation.
DEM Continuity of Operations
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Developed draft of DEM Continuity of Operations Plan.
Emergency Support
Function (ESF) 6: Care and
Shelter Annex
City and County of San Francisco
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
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Annual Report 2011–2012
Planning for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
In collaboration with the Mayor’s Office on Disability (MOD) and Human Services Agency (HSA), DEM has been
active in building the City’s capacity to meet the needs of persons with disabilities, including the elderly, in disasters.
A cache of shelter equipment — Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cots, air beds, transfer boards, wheelchairs,
lifts, etc. — was recently purchased to support persons with disabilities in disaster shelters. In addition, DEM helped
facilitate Statements of Understanding between the City and several disability organizations, including: San Francisco
Independent Living Resource Center, Kimochi, On Lok, Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s Association, Jewish Family
and Children Services, and others — which adds significantly to the City’s overall cultural competency in meeting the
needs of disabled San Franciscans during a disaster. Finally, DEM, HSA, and MOD collaborated to update the City’s
Care and Shelter Annex to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in mass care services.
Community Safety Element
DEM was a major participant in the 2011–2012 multi-agency revision and adoption process of the Community Safety
Element (CSE) of the San Francisco General Plan. The CSE establishes specific policies and programs to protect the
community from risks associated with natural and manmade disasters. It underwent its first review since 1997 to
incorporate updated hazard information, and new relevant programs and citywide efforts. Many of these new
programs were a direct result of the DEM Citywide Emergency Management Program. The CSE was adopted
unanimously by the Planning Commission on June 14, 2012, and will next be heard by the Board of Supervisors.
Training and Exercises
Since 2007, DEM has conducted more than 25 tabletop and functional exercises involving local, State, and federal
partners to help them work through issues and practice response skills in “real-life” disaster scenarios. DEM works
with a wide variety of partners to design and provide training opportunities for City staff, the private sector, and nonprofits. In addition, we work locally and regionally to design and execute drills among our multi-disciplinary
stakeholders.
Training
DEM conducted or facilitated 21 training classes involving 710 participants in FY 2011–2012 to help City workers, as
well as local and regional partners from more than 60 agencies, develop essential emergency management skills,
reinforce Emergency Operations Center (EOC) responsibilities, and introduce technology. These courses included:
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EOC 101 — Overview of the Emergency Operations Center
ICS 300 / MGT-313 — Intermediate Incident Command System
ICS 400 / MGT-344 — Advanced Incident Command System
TEEX (Texas Engineering Extension Service) — Enhanced Emergency Operations Center
TEEX MGT-346 — Emergency Operations Center – Operations and Planning
TEEX MGT-347 — Incident Command System Forms Review
Web EOC and Web EOC Administrator Training
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
Exercises
The principles learned during training were reinforced during eight exercises either organized or facilitated by DEM
for almost 500 participants across multiple agencies. DEM is proud to be a national leader in both the size and
complexity of our exercise program, which regularly includes partners from City agencies, private sector, and nongovernmental organizations, State and federal agencies, and the military. Exercises in FY 2011–2012 included:
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Treasure Island Emergency Response Plan Validation Tabletop Exercise — August 3, 2011
UC Hastings Tabletop Exercise — August 4, 2011
Fleet Week Medical Surge Tabletop Exercise — September 8, 2011
Fleet Week Senior Leadership Seminar — October 6, 2011
The Great California Shakeout — October 20, 2011
Three America’s Cup Tabletop Exercises — January 18, March 21, and April 11, 2012
DEM staff conducts an exercise in the Emergency Operations Center.
In addition, DEM:
DEM is proud to be a national
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Created an online exercise toolkit for exercise planners.
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Revised the Master Improvement Plan, designed to track postexercise/event lessons learned to help departments focus and improve
their planning efforts.
leader in both
the size and complexity
City and County of San Francisco
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
of our exercise program.
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Annual Report 2011–2012
Fleet Week Tabletop Exercise and
Senior Leadership Seminar
During Fleet Week in fall of 2011, DEM worked with the San Francisco Fleet Week Association to organize
two events to assess the ability of local, regional, State, and federal agencies to coordinate logistical support
during the immediate aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake in San Francisco.
The first was a discussion-based exercise focused on the logistical requirements for local, regional, State, and
federal entities to support medical surge and logistical operations, beginning 48- to 72-hours post-earthquake.
This event was followed by a Senior Leadership Seminar, where officials from local, regional, State, and
federal agencies discussed the concept of Defense Support of Civilian Authorities (DSCA). DEM leads a multi-agency tabletop exercise on medical surge during Fleet Week 2011.
Fleet Week Senior Leader Seminar Panel, including (left to right): Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates,
San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee, Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown,
and U.S. Coast Guard Captain Cynthia Stowe.
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Annual Report 2011–2012
Emergency Operations Center
During a major emergency or a pre-planned citywide event, DEM manages the City’s Emergency Operations Center
(EOC) at 1011 Turk Street. This is the facility where representatives from Police, Fire, Public Health, Public Works,
Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA), Human Services Agency (HSA), and other agencies gather to share
information and coordinate resources in order to support response and recovery.
Web EOC
DEM sought to improve resource tracking, situation analysis, documentation, communication, and dissemination of
information within the EOC, and to facilitate coordination with Department Operations Centers (DOCs). DEM
began using a web-based solution called Web EOC in March 2011. DEM has since utilized this program
successfully during 29 special events, exercises, and EOC activations, and has trained over 300 users at multiple City
agencies, including: Fire, Police, Sheriff, Public Utilities Commission, Airport, HSA, and MTA.
EOC Activations
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July 4, 2011 ............................ Independence Day
September 11, 2011 ............... 9/11 Commemoration Events
October 8, 2011 ...................... Fleet Week
During a major emergency or a
October 15 and 27, 2011 ........ Occupy SF
pre-planned citywide event,
December 31, 2011 ................ New Years Eve
January 22, 2012 .................... 49ers Championship Game
January 23, 2012 .................... Lombard Street Rock Slide
DEM manages the City’s
Emergency Operations Center.
May 1, 2012 ........................... May Day
May 20, 2012 ......................... Bay to Breakers Race
May 27, 2012 ......................... Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary
June 14, 2012 ......................... BART Disruption
June 24, 2012 ......................... San Francisco Pride Parade
The Emergency Operations Center at 1011 Turk Street during an exercise.
City and County of San Francisco
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Annual Report 2011–2012
Community Engagement and Education
Social Media
With more than 49,000 followers and fans on various social media platforms,
DEM is fully engaged with our audiences using the same tools they use daily.
We regularly post information and updates regarding preparedness, emergencies,
and disasters in and around the San Francisco area. Our social media tools include:
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Facebook
www.facebook.com/sfdem
Twitter
@sf_emergency
DEM Blog
www.sfdem.wordpress.com
SF Heroes
In October 2011, DEM launched a new preparedness application for mobile devices
called SF Heroes, which includes an emergency services map, location and event checkins, social connections, educational quizzes, personal contacts, motivational checklists,
and a leaderboard to compare achievements with friends. SF Heroes is available for both
iPhone and Android devices.
72 Hours.org
DEM has created an award-winning website and print brochures that provide key information on how to prepare for a
major disaster, including how to make a family emergency plan, build a kit, and get involved in your community.
Quake Quiz
DEM developed an interactive on-line quiz
that lets users test their knowledge of what to
do if an earthquake strikes while they are at
home, driving, on public transit, at the beach,
or at work.
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“Our City, Ready for Anything”
Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
Emergency Supply Shopping Campaign
In an effort to promote public awareness of what household
items should be on hand during an emergency, DEM launched
the “Who Are You Shopping For?” emergency supplies
shopping campaign. The campaign included signage
displayed at local retailers such as Walgreens, Cole Hardware,
Cliff’s Variety, Haji’s Hardware, and Speedy’s Hardware.
DEM also created a postcard-sized comprehensive emergency
supplies shopping list. The campaign ran during the last two
weeks of April 2012.
1906 Earthquake Anniversary
Each year DEM works with the nonprofit
organization Guardians of the City and other
partners to commemorate the anniversary of the
April 18, 1906 earthquake and fire. These events
provide a major opportunity to share disaster
preparedness information with the public. April
2012 events included the annual gathering at
Lotta’s Fountain at 5:12 a.m., painting the Golden
Hydrant next to Dolores Park, and media events for
earthquake survivors at the St. Francis Hotel,
John’s Grill, and Lefty O’Doul’s.
1906 Earthquake anniversary
events provide a major
opportunity to share
disaster preparedness
information with the public. DEM staff commemorate the 1906 Earthquake.
FM 106 KMEL Emergency Preparedness Radio Campaign
Beginning April 14, leading up to the 106th anniversary of the 1906 Earthquake and Fire on April 18, DEM ran a
series of preparedness commercials on FM 106 KMEL. In addition to the on-air commercials, streaming ads ran
online, which were accompanied by rotating banners hyperlinked to 72hours.org on all Clear Channel radio station
web sites.
City and County of San Francisco
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Annual Report 2011–2012
Loma Prieta Earthquake Anniversary Event — October 17, 2011
“Preparing to Recover — A Whole Community Approach in the Bay Area Region”
DEM Executive Director Anne Kronenberg speaks
at the Loma Prieta Earthquake Anniversary.
Acting Cal EMA Secretary Mike Dayton speaks
at the Loma Prieta Earthquake Anniversary.
DEM was pleased to help organize the 2011 Loma Prieta earthquake commemoration event at City Hall, in
partnership with KQED and the General Services Agency. Approximately 100 community and government officials
attended. Remarks were provided by DEM Executive Director Anne Kronenberg, Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White,
Police Chief Greg Suhr, California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) Acting Secretary Mike Dayton, and
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deputy Administrator Richard Serino. A panel of experts from
across the Bay Area shared best practices on recovery and community engagement.
The Great California ShakeOut — October 20, 2011
DEM was the major San Francisco organizer for the annual statewide earthquake drill called “The Great California
ShakeOut.” This event included a visit by Mayor Edwin M. Lee, Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White, and Police Chief
Greg Suhr to William Cobb Elementary School to practice
a Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill with students. The City
had 334,173 registered individual participants from 449
organizations. We were pleased to see increased
participation from the federal government, businesses,
medical facilities, nonprofits, and service agencies.
San Francisco had 334,173
registered individual
participants from 449
organizations for the Great
California ShakeOut.
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“Our City, Ready for Anything”
Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
FEMA Think Tank
On February 17, 2012, FEMA held its monthly “FEMA Think
Tank” conference call from San Francisco City Hall. This
periodic event is designed to engage FEMA’s partners, promote
innovation, and facilitate discussions in the field of emergency
management. Conducted by FEMA Deputy Administrator
Richard Serino, the discussion focused on how to improve
communications during an emergency, with an emphasis on
amateur radio operations and mobile apps.
DEM Executive Director Anne Kronenberg
and FEMA Deputy Administrator Richard Serino
at City Hall.
Community Events
DEM distributes preparedness information at multiple community
events throughout the year. Our staff provides information on
personal preparedness from our 72hours.org campaign, which
includes a website and brochures in five languages, as well as
interactive games and supplies. In FY 2011–2012, DEM provided
community preparedness information at neighborhood fairs,
community meetings, and Sunday Streets events.
DEM distributes
preparedness information at
multiple community events
throughout the year.
DEM staff distributes disaster preparedness information at the Mayor’s Backpack Giveaway 2011.
City and County of San Francisco
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
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Annual Report 2011–2012
Key Partnerships
DEM advances emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery in San Francisco through partnerships
with several cultural and private-sector institutions.
Private Sector and Consular Corps
DEM works regularly with the private sector on emergency preparedness, continuity of operations, and response
coordination. We have worked with the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), Building Recovery
Managers Association (BRMA), and the Bay Area Recovery Coalition Fostering Industry Resilience and Security
through Teamwork (BARCFirst) to give their members the opportunity to participate and train in the City’s
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as Community Branch Coordinators. We also work closely with the Consular
Corps, through participation in their working groups and by training Corps members to work in the Community
Branch at the EOC.
Randall Museum Emergency Preparedness Education Exhibit
DEM sponsored three graphic panels in the Randall Museum’s permanent exhibit “Living with a Restless Earth.”
The panels provided earthquake and tsunami preparedness information and promoted DEM’s public preparedness
initiatives: AlertSF, 72hours.org, and SF Heroes.
SPUR Exhibit —
“Safe Enough to Stay”
In February 2012, the San Francisco Planning and Urban
Research Association (SPUR) produced a research paper
and exhibit about improving the ability of San Francisco’s
housing stock to survive a disaster and allow residents to
“shelter in place” in the aftermath. DEM advised SPUR
on shelter and mass care, as well as contributed staff time
to help build and furnish the “Safe Enough to Stay”
exhibit. DEM also contributed 72hours.org brochures to
the exhibit.
A panel from the Randal Museum exhibit
DEM advances emergency
preparedness
in San Francisco through
partnerships with
several cultural and
private-sector institutions.
A panel from the Randall Museum exhibit.
20
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
California Academy of Sciences Earthquake Exhibit
The California Academy of Sciences opened its Earthquake exhibit in May 2012. The exhibit will be available to the
public for at least two years, and has the potential to engage and educate thousands of people on the topic of
earthquake preparedness. DEM contributed
content for the “People Prepare” section of the
exhibit. In addition, DEM provided its highlyregarded QuakeQuiz to the exhibit and was one of
several organizations that funded wallet-sized
earthquake preparedness educational handouts.
Disaster Corps
San Francisco is one of five counties funded by
the State of California to pilot the California
Disaster Corps program, a first-in-the nation effort
to strengthen and unify government-affiliated
disaster volunteer programs, and integrate
volunteer resources into the Standardized
Emergency Management System (SEMS).
A patron reviews the DEM Quake Quiz at the California
Disaster Corps establishes uniform guidelines for
Academy of Sciences Earthquake exhibit.
volunteers to be classified, typed, trained, and
credentialed. In addition, all Disaster Corps volunteers have cleared a Department of Justice (DOJ) and federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI) security screening. To date, 250 Disaster Corps volunteers have been recruited to
participate in the program. These typed, highly-skilled volunteers are available for deployment throughout the
region and can be permitted a higher level of access than volunteers who have not passed a background check.
San Francisco Citizen Corps Council
Citizen Corps Council is a national initiative of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which DEM sponsors in
San Francisco. The San Francisco Citizen Corps Council works to strengthen collaboration between government
and non-government partners on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Member organizations offer
resources for public education, outreach, and training. They also represent the interests of their members who want
to make their community safer and more resilient. Council members also offer service opportunities to support
citywide disaster relief activities and community safety efforts. Key member organizations include:






American Red Cross, Bay Area Chapter San Francisco CARD San Francisco SAFE San Francisco Interfaith Council Neighborhood Empowerment Network 




Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT) Trauma Outreach Associates California Academy of Sciences Mayor’s Office on Disability Human Services Agency The Salvation Army City and County of San Francisco
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
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Annual Report 2011–2012
Resilient San Francisco
DEM works closely with the General Services
Agency (GSA) to lead recovery planning efforts
of City departments, business organizations, and
community stakeholders. DEM has created a
Resilience and Recovery Manager position to
serve as a liaison to GSA and oversee DEM’s
community engagement, mitigation, and
recovery efforts.
A key initiative of Resilient San Francisco is the
Lifelines Council, which meets regularly to plan
for the restoration of key utilities and other
essential services following a disaster. Members
include: City agencies; major utilities such as
PG&E, AT&T, and the San Francisco Public
Utilities Commission; transit agencies; and nongovernmental partners like the Harvard Kennedy
School of Government and the San Francisco
Planning and Urban Research Association. DEM
plans to undertake a strategic planning process in
2012 for Resilient San Francisco, resulting in an
updated All Hazards Strategic Plan that will guide
future disaster planning investments and efforts.
Mayor Edwin M. Lee wears the DEM jacket.
The Lifelines Council meets
regularly to plan for the
restoration of key utilities
and other essential services
following a disaster.
San Francisco Interfaith Council
The Interfaith Council hosts a bi-annual
community preparedness conference, in which
they invite area religious and community
organizations to learn and share best practices for
disaster preparedness. At the May 2, 2012
conference held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, DEM
facilitated a tabletop exercise called
“Resilientville,” designed to teach participants
the importance of building relationships before
an emergency, and how to use those relationships
to provide care and shelter to those in need
following a disaster.
A full house for DEM’s Resilientville exercise at the Interfaith
Council conference in St. Mary’s Cathedral.
22
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
Earthquake Country Alliance
The Earthquake Country Alliance (ECA) is a statewide public-private partnership of people, organizations, and
regional alliances that work together to improve preparedness, mitigation, and resilience. ECA’s cornerstone activity
is “The Great California ShakeOut,” an annual statewide event with millions of participants intended to inspire
preparedness in schools, businesses, state agencies, and other organizations. As a member of the ECA’s Statewide
Steering Committee, DEM is a recognized leader within the Alliance. We support statewide efforts to ensure that
consistent and accurate earthquake education messages are delivered throughout the Bay Area and beyond.
Mission to Van, Turkey
Beginning in 2010, the San Francisco Fleet Week Association (SFFWA) partnered with DEM to highlight the
worldwide humanitarian assistance provided by the U.S. military. This two-year partnership has been mutually
beneficial and continues to evolve. In December 2011, SFFWA sponsored two DEM staff and other City employees
to travel to the city of Van, Turkey to observe the impact of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred in October
2011, to understand recovery efforts underway, and to determine what assistance the City may provide in the future.
We expect the relationship with SFFWA to expand in coming years.
DEM Deputy Director Rob Dudgeon (fourth from
right) with the Van Fire Department.
Deputy Director Rob Dudgeon presents Makir Kaya, the Mayor
of Van Turkey, with a gift on behalf of Mayor Edwin M. Lee.
City and County of San Francisco
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
23
Annual Report 2011–2012
Public Warning Systems
DEM uses various public warning systems to alert residents and workers of emergencies, and any actions they should
take to respond. Messaging is coordinated to ensure accuracy and timeliness. Primary systems used by DEM include:
AlertSF / CCSF Alert
AlertSF and CCSF Alert use text messages and emails to immediately notify first responders, disaster service workers
(DSWs), government employees, and the general public during a major crisis or emergency, such as an earthquake or
a major traffic disruption. AlertSF is available to the general public. CCSF Alert is a non-public system that notifies
department heads, key City personnel, and other partners of internal activities, such as updates on displaced persons
due to major fires.
Type of Subscriber
Total Subscribers
New Subscribers FY 2011–2012
Alerts Sent Out FY 2011–2012
Alert SF
CCSF Alert
29,507
1,748
4,681
134
103
264
Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS)
DEM is working to ensure that the City and County of San Francisco will be compliant with the new federal
Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS), which will allow the Department to provide life safety information
directly to the cell phones of anyone in San Francisco. This system will greatly increase the City’s ability to
communicate effectively and efficiently to the public during an emergency. DEM estimates having capability to use
CMAS for life safety emergencies in fall 2012.
Outdoor Public Warning System (Sirens)
The City currently operates 109 Outdoor Public Warning System sirens, which are tested
every Tuesday at noon. The system was originally installed in 1942 and included 50 sirens
designed to provide emergency alerts during World War II. Today’s system includes the
ability to broadcast voice messages, as well as to broadcast only in selected areas. In some
neighborhoods, the Tuesday noon test includes messaging in Spanish or Cantonese. The
Department of Technology (DT) works with DEM to determine optimal coverage and install
additional units as necessary.
24
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
Emergency Alert System (EAS)
The EAS is a nationwide system used to alert television and radio viewers about a major emergency. DEM has the
ability to issue an EAS message through our local broadcasters, which interrupts regularly scheduled programming to
disseminate emergency information. In November 2011, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a nationwide EAS test, which identified significant
opportunities for improvement.
Grants Management
The federal Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) provides a primary funding mechanism for building and
sustaining national preparedness capabilities. Since late 2003, San Francisco and the greater Bay Area have received
over $300 million in federal Homeland Security Grants.
In 2012, DEM implemented a
These grant awards allow City agencies to better prepare for natural or
human caused disasters and improve community preparedness, but they
are not without drawbacks. Conditions of use, restrictive personnel caps,
equipment purchasing rules, short performance timeframes, mandated
training, and extensive recordkeeping require significant infrastructure to
plan for, expend, and track these funds.
new process to ensure that
Departments are aware of
their outstanding grant
awards and are on track to
spend them on time.
Just over $11 million in grant funds (spread over Fiscal Years 2009–2011) is currently being spent by City
departments. In 2012, DEM implemented a new process to ensure that departments are aware of their outstanding
grant awards and are on track to spend them on time. Department summary reports are reviewed during bi-annual
meetings so each department knows what funds are available, what projects were previously approved, and any
pending deadlines.
Grant Review Process
Each spring and summer, DEM reviews project proposals from City departments (non-City partners such as SFUSD
and non-profits are also eligible), which must be aligned with the City’s All Hazards Strategic Plan. Once vetted for
eligibility under grant rules, the proposals are reviewed and ranked by departmental peers. DEM next prepares a list
of recommended projects, which are then presented to the Homeland Security Executive Steering Committee for final
approval. DEM considers several factors when scoring project proposals, including: The benefits; urgency; mission
areas supported; support for recovery and resiliency; whether it addresses capability gaps; support for the All Hazards
Strategic Plan; support for State grant priorities; and support for UASI grant priorities.
Grants management staff work to ensure eligibility and compliance with grant guidelines. This includes providing
documents and reports to the grant issuing agency, as well as keeping track of projects, expenditures, grant investment
justifications, and reimbursement requests from each department that receives grant funds.
City and County of San Francisco
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
25
Annual Report 2011–2012
Reduction in Grant Funds
DEM anticipates significant reductions in grant funding from the federal government in coming years, but it is not yet
clear when, or how much of, a reduction may occur. Although we currently require that grant proposals include plans
for sustainment beyond grant dependence, many early purchases were made without such forethought. We anticipate
having to make difficult decisions to identify which programs and equipment truly enhance our preparedness and can
be supported without grants.
Grants Managed by DEM in FY 2011–2012
Program Name
Description
Active Total
State Homeland
Security Grant
Program (SHSGP)
Funds planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise
needs at the state and local levels to prevent, protect against,
respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other
catastrophic events.
Metropolitan Medical
Response System
(MMRS)
Funds the integration of emergency management, health, and
medical systems into a coordinated response to mass casualty
incidents caused by any hazard.
Urban Area Security
Initiative (UASI) —
San Francisco Only
Funds the unique planning, organization, equipment, training, and
exercise needs of high-threat, high-density urban areas. While this
is a regional grant, DEM manages most of the UASI funds that are
2
allocated to San Francisco agencies.
Emergency
Management
Performance Grant
(EMPG)
Funds all-hazards emergency management capabilities including
the development of a comprehensive program of planning,
training, and exercises.
$276,000
Emergency Operations
Center (EOC)
Funds improvements to emergency management and preparedness
capabilities by supporting a flexible, sustainable, secure,
strategically located, and fully interoperable EOC.
$800,000
California Volunteers
Disaster Corps (CVDC)
Funds training for community volunteers who are members of
Disaster Corps to respond to disasters.
$125,000
Oil Spill Contingency
Plan Grant (OSCPG)
Funds planning and training for oil spill response.
$5,609,000
Included in
SHSGP
$4,528,000
$10,000
Total:
$11,348,000
2
Amount excludes portions allocated to Fire ($2,265,827), Police ($4,951,164), and Sheriff’s Department ($837,790), which are managed
directly by those departments.
26
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
Emergency Medical Services Agency
The Emergency Medical Services Agency (EMSA) has been housed within DEM since it was transferred from the
Department of Public Health in May 2009. EMSA functions as the regulatory agency over the City’s EMS system,
which includes:

Credentialing emergency medical technicians (about 2,000) and paramedics (about 200) 
Establishing policies and protocols for those working in the system 
Permitting ambulance provider and training programs 
Performing oversight of the Trauma System Plan, in partnership with
San Francisco General Hospital 
EMSA staff reviewed over 100
EMS plans for special events
Conducting audits and investigations for quality assurance in the system during the year, to ensure that
proper emergency medical
resources would be available
for major citywide events.
Emergency Medical Services Planning
EMSA works closely with the Department of Public Health on health and medical issues in disaster planning and
response. In addition, DEM undertook a major project in 2011 to reconfigure the local EMS system to comply with
State guidelines. The new plan was finalized in January 2012.
EMSA staff reviewed over 100 EMS plans for special events during the year, to ensure that proper emergency
medical resources would be available for major citywide events, such as the Bay to Breakers race. Staff also
conducted or coordinated approximately 40 training courses in disaster medical issues. In addition, EMSA has
implemented a new Multi-Casualty Incident plan, with exercises scheduled though 2013.
Sobering Centers
Based on experiences from the 2010 New Year’s Eve celebrations, EMSA piloted a special “sobering center” tent to
care for intoxicated people at four subsequent events. The project succeeded in keeping more patrol cars and
ambulances in service, and reduced overcrowding in hospital emergency rooms, making those resources more
available for other critical patients.
Date
Event
Tent Location
Number of
Patients
3/17/2011
St. Patrick’s Day
Foot of Market Street at Embarcadero
11
12/31/2011
New Year’s Eve
Community Health Network –
25th Street at Potrero Avenue
46
1/22/2012
NFC Championship
Same as above
3/17/2012
St. Patrick’s Day
Pier 48
City and County of San Francisco
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
6
27
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Annual Report 2011–2012
Disaster Trailers
DEM helps to provide oversight of 48 disaster trailers in
the City and a variety of other equipment, such as tents.
The trailers include a Mobile Field Care Clinic (FCC),
generators, refrigerators, basic life support supplies,
shelter supplies, and other items critical to disaster
response in the field. These trailers are owned by DEM,
DPH, HSA, and the Medical Examiner. As part of this
program, the Delancey Street Foundation has partnered
with the City to transport and set up the FCC tents,
generators, and supplies five times since 2011.
CPR Consortium
A Mobile Field Care Clinic on the Marina Green.
EMSA continues to facilitate the San Francisco Community CPR Consortium, which was founded in 2011 as a
collaborative initiative between public, private, educational, and pre-hospital organizations that provide “Hands Only”
CPR instruction to the public. EMSA, San Francisco Fire Department, City College of San Francisco, the American
Heart Association, and the San Francisco Paramedic Association have all provided instructors and material support
for the initiative. During the last year, the Community CPR Consortium supported a range of special events and
groups, including Sunday Streets, youth organizations, churches, and other community organizations, focusing efforts
in Chinatown and the Bayview. Interagency collaboration provided the opportunity for participating organizations to
pool volunteer resources, share ideas, and teach CPR to hundreds of San Franciscans.
STAR
EMSA is creating a system of care for heart attack and cardiac arrest patients treated by paramedics that will begin in
January 2013, using the latest evidence-based guidelines. Through its “STAR” program (STEMI and ROSC, or ST
Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Return of Spontaneous Circulation), paramedics will be able to determine the
appropriate destination and deliver the highest quality of care to patients with sudden, severe heart disease. Hospitals
selected by EMSA to receive these patients will offer interventions that increase survival, deliver data for quality
improvement to EMSA, and make all San Franciscans healthier by streamlining processes to handle some of the most
vulnerable and fragile patients.
28
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
Administration and Support
IT Systems Planning and Management —
Operates and maintains all Information
Technology (IT) public safety systems related to 9–1–1 dispatching and EOC operations, including:

Project management and technical support for the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System, 800 MHz Public
Safety Radio Communications System, and 9–1–1 telephone system.

Maintaining all EOC equipment, including satellite communications equipment, computers, and audio-visual
systems.

Tier II data center that provides server virtualization and consolidation opportunities, as well as redundancy for the
City’s public safety agencies, including the Police and Sheriff’s departments.

Upgrades to the City’s Automatic Vehicle Location System to improve medical response times.

Technical support and management of trouble-tickets through a 24/7 help desk.
Human Resources —
Responsible for all HR activities related to the Department’s workforce.

Recruitment and Selection: Conducts merit-based examinations to select candidates based on job-related
knowledge, skills, and abilities. 
Labor Relations and Leave Management: Includes oversight of negotiated labor contract provisions, resolving
employee concerns and grievances, discipline, and managing attendance. 
General Personnel Administration and Payroll: Includes maintaining position control, ensuring the timely
completion of employee performance evaluations, and paying employees accurately and on time. Finance, Budget and Accounting — Responsible for all fiscal activities related to the
department’s operating funds.
Facility Management —
Ensures operational readiness of the 9–1–1 Center and Emergency Operations
Center on a 24/7 basis.
Administrative Support —
Performs office management and clerical support functions.
False Alarm Prevention Program — Provides management and oversight of the City’s Police
Emergency Alarm Ordinance. Since the inception of this program in 2003, the amount of unnecessary police
dispatches to false security alarms has fallen by half. In FY 2011–2012, DEM managed 47,522 invoices for false
alarms and alarm license registrations, and recovered $2,734,964 in fees and fines.
City and County of San Francisco
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
29
Annual Report 2011–2012
Bay Area UASI
The Bay Area Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) is a regional body created in 2006 that distributes federal
homeland security grants to Bay Area cities and counties, as well as to regional projects. San Francisco currently
serves as both the chair (DEM Executive Director Anne
Kronenberg) and the fiscal agent for this body. San
Francisco Fire Department Deputy Chief Raymond Guzman
also represents San Francisco on the UASI governing board,
known as the Approval Authority.
Membership
Under a new MOU, approved by the Board of Supervisors in
November 2011, membership of the UASI Approval
Authority includes the original members of San Francisco,
Oakland, San Jose, Alameda County, and Santa Clara
County, and adds the counties of San Mateo, Marin, Sonoma,
Contra Costa, and Monterey. UASI’s General Manager and
many of the Management Team members are employees of
San Francisco and are funded 100% through grants.
Projects
UASI has managed approximately $200 million since 2006,
and funded various projects, such as: regional trainings and
exercises; the Bay Area Regional Interoperable
Communications System (BayRICS); homeland security units at the San Francisco Police and Fire Departments; and
many others.
2011 National UASI Conference
San Francisco was pleased to host the 5th Annual National UASI
Homeland Security Conference in June 2011. More than 1,500
attendees from multiple jurisdictions, almost 300 vendors, and
representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
California Emergency Management Agency, and other agencies
gathered in San Francisco to discuss planning, training, exercises,
and grant funding to address our nation’s
homeland security needs. DEM took
an active role in the planning and
execution of this major event.
FEMA Deputy Administrator Richard Serino
speaks at the National UASI Conference.
30
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
DEM Advisory Groups
Disaster Council
As required by San Francisco Administrative Code Section 7.0, each quarter DEM convenes the Disaster Council on
behalf of the Mayor. Membership includes 44 City department heads and community partners from the nonprofit,
government, labor, and business communities, chaired by the Mayor. Meetings provide a public forum in which the
departments and stakeholders involved in preparing for and managing emergencies exchange information and report
on progress, including, by statute, any time that the EOC has been activated. Most significant events that happened in
the previous quarter are also reported on by the primary department, and DEM reviews “after action” findings of
emergencies and exercises.
Homeland Security Executive Steering Committee (HSESC)
This body includes department heads from key public safety agencies, which provide executive level support and
input to the City’s overall homeland security and emergency management program. This body reviews, makes
recommendations, and approves allocation of grant funding in
San Francisco. It also reviews work product and sets policy for
the Disaster Preparedness Coordinators (below). Members of this
core group serve on the Policy Group to advise the Mayor during
emergencies. The Committee meets quarterly.
Disaster Preparedness Coordinators
Under Executive Directive 06-01 issued by Mayor Gavin
Newsom in 2006, each City department with a role in disaster
management is required to appoint a senior level staff member
who reports directly to the department head as a Disaster
Preparedness Coordinator (DPC). Regular meetings provide a
forum for DPC’s to provide subject matter expertise, as well as
serve as the primary point of contact for DEM to disseminate
information to City departments. This group also forms ad hoc
workgroups to focus on specific projects. A major function of the
DPC’s is to vet and prioritize City public safety projects for
funding by various homeland security grants.
City and County of San Francisco
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
31
Annual Report 2011–2012
Language Access
DEM is committed to providing access to all of our services for residents and visitors who do not speak English as
their primary language.

DEM’s award-winning 72hours.org brochures
and web site provide disaster preparedness
information to the public in English, Spanish,
Chinese, Russian, and Vietnamese. 
DEM manages the Outdoor Public Warning
System, which are the sirens that are tested every
Tuesday at noon. In select neighborhoods with a
high concentration of limited English proficient
residents, DEM has instructed the Department of
Technology to broadcast the message “This is
only a test” in Spanish or Cantonese. During an
actual emergency, DEM staff will be able to
record and broadcast emergency instructions in
several languages. 
In FY 2011–2012, DEM received 1,017,010 calls
to 9–1–1. Of these, 14,337 (1.4%) required
translation from a language other than English. 
Through the City’s vendor Language Line, DEM
can respond to 9–1–1 calls in over 170
languages. DEM dispatchers also speak a
number of languages, listed below. DEM is committed to
providing access to
all of our services
for residents and visitors
who do not speak English as
their primary language.
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“Our City, Ready for Anything”
Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
Translation of 9–1–1 Calls
July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 Language
Calls
Avg. Minutes
on Call
Spanish
Cantonese
Mandarin
Russian
Vietnamese
Tagalog
Korean
Japanese
Portuguese
Arabic
Italian
French
Hindi
German
Burmese
Toishanese
Turkish
Thai
Cambodian
Serbian
Amharic
Farsi
Laotian
Greek
Nepali
Polish
Indonesian
Punjabi
Taiwanese
Croatian
Mongolian
Ukranian
Armenian
Samoan
Swedish
Akan
Fulani
8,833
3,243
979
442
224
139
99
65
57
48
25
24
22
15
14
13
12
11
8
8
7
6
6
6
5
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
5.3
6.3
6.0
5.8
6.2
5.5
6.8
8.5
5.9
6.5
4.1
5.7
4.4
5.9
7.8
9.7
6.4
5.8
6.1
2.9
9.4
6.5
5.2
4.5
3.6
10.3
9.7
6.3
3.7
3.3
14.0
7.5
3.5
3.0
3.0
2.0
2.0
% of Total
Minutes
57.9%
25.2%
7.3%
3.2%
1.7%
0.9%
0.8%
0.7%
0.4%
0.4%
0.1%
0.2%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
0.2%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
0.0%
0.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Total Translated Calls: 14,337
Total Languages: 37
Average Minutes on Translated Call: 5.9
City and County of San Francisco
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
33
Annual Report 2011–2012
Awards
2011 Dispatcher of the Year — Stephen Golden
On December 13, 2010, Public Safety Dispatcher Stephen Golden received a 9–1–1 call from a visitor to San
Francisco who needed to send medical help to her family residence on the East Coast. The caller reported that she
was in San Francisco for business and had just called her home in Columbia, Maryland. Her three-year-old son had
answered the phone and stated that his dad was lying on the floor in the closet. She also had a one-year-old child at
home.
Stephen obtained the home address, husband’s name, neighbor contact information, and the location of a spare key.
He contacted Baltimore Emergency Services and they responded to the scene. Sadly, emergency responders in
Maryland ultimately confirmed that the caller’s husband had passed away, but the children were both fine. Stephen
stayed on the line with the caller for an extended period to provide comfort and solace. While the average 9–1–1 call
is approximately two minutes long, Stephen was on the telephone with this caller for 39 minutes.
While the outcome of this 9–1–1 call was tragic, it was Stephen’s outstanding work that sent emergency help to the
caller’s home on the other side of the country, ensuring the safety of her young children, and at the same time
providing compassion and comfort to the caller.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors honored Stephen with a commendation on April 10, 2012.
Board of Supervisors President David Chiu presents Stephen Golden with a Commendation at the April 10, 2012
Board of Supervisors meeting.
34
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
FY 2011–2012 Dispatchers of the Month
July 2011:
Karen O’Malley
On June 2, 2011, while working fire control channel F3, a two-alarm fire occurred in the
Diamond Heights District of San Francisco. The incident involved two firefighters in distress
and a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) was called on behalf of the firefighters inside. Public
Safety Dispatcher (PSD) O’Malley received high praise from her peers for her calm support
and expert assistance during this very stressful event.
August 2011:
Lisa Farfan
On July 19, 2011, PSD Farfan received a call from the mother of a three-day-old infant.
The caller reported that her baby was changing colors, unconscious, and having difficulty
breathing. PSD Farfan gave instructions on CPR and keeping the baby’s airway open until
paramedics arrived on scene. PSD Farfan received praise from the child’s mother for her
caring concern and assistance with successfully resuscitating the child.
September 2011: Mark Terris
On August 28, 2011, PSD Terris received information on the radio of a Fire Department
vehicle involved in a rollover accident. During this event PSD Terris was commended for his
quick actions to ensure assistance to the field units involved in the accident, as well as to
redirect apparatus to the original event.
October 2011:
Laura O’Reilly-Jackson
PSD O’Reilly-Jackson was honored by the SFPD for her instrumental actions in assisting the
SFPD in solving a homicide case.
Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White (far right) and DEM Executive Director Anne Kronenberg (second from left)
thank dispatchers during National Telecommunicators Week, April 2012.
City and County of San Francisco
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
35
Annual Report 2011–2012
November 2011: Cathy Osorio
PSD Osorio received praise from the SFPD for her instrumental actions in assisting the SFPD
in solving a homicide case.
December 2011: Ulysses (Jim) Levy
On November 2, 2011, PSD Levy provided emergency medical instructions to a male who
was assisting his wife in the delivery of their baby. PSD Levy determined the child’s head
had retracted and he provided instructions to the caller that corrected its course and allowed
for a safe delivery.
January 2012:
Jasmine Pomeroy
On December 10, 2011, PSD Pomeroy answered a call from a hysterical woman reporting
she was inside a multi-residential structure that was on fire on Ellis Street. The woman
reported her apartment was filling with smoke and that she could not get out. Due to fire
conditions, PSD Pomeroy remained on the line with the caller and gave firm instructions to
stay in her apartment. The caller was panic-stricken throughout the call, which lasted 18
minutes, until she was successfully rescued.
February 2012:
Megan Wu
On December 31, 2011, PSD Wu, while working a police radio channel, dispatched units to a
robbery and attempted kidnapping. The officers responding located the suspect vehicle and a
high speed multi-district chase ensued. The suspect was subsequently apprehended.
March 2012:
Dawn Mahoney
On January 31, 2012, PSD Mahoney received a call about an elderly unconscious female who
was not breathing. PSD Mahoney provided medical instructions that resulted in a successful
resuscitation.
April 2012:
Ron Davis
On February 22, 2012, PSD Davis received a call from a frantic female reporting her mother
was not breathing. PSD Davis stayed on the line with the caller and continued to give
medical instruction until paramedics arrived on scene.
May 2012:
Estella Moran
On March 23, 2012, PSD Moran received a call from a person reporting four people dead
inside a residence. PSD Moran actively worked to assure and comfort the hysterical caller
while continuing to diligently press the caller for much-needed information.
June 2012:
Karen Guevara
On May 9, 2012, PSD Guevara received reports from officers over the radio that they were
taking fire from a homicide suspect. This resulted in an intense police standoff. Following
this highly charged event, PSD Guevara received high praise for her outstanding dispatch
skills and abilities.
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“Our City, Ready for Anything”
Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
9–1–1 for Kids “Heroes” Awards
DEM hosted the annual “9–1–1 for Kids Heroes Awards
Ceremony” on April 11, 2012 at City Hall. This nationwide
celebration highlights the importance of children learning to dial
9–1–1 during an emergency. This year’s local event honored one
San Francisco youth who dialed 9–1–1 to save the life of a family
member, as well as DEM dispatchers who
responded to 9–1–1 calls from youths. The
event also featured a presentation by Public
Safety Dispatcher Clarence Hom to kindergartners from Tenderloin Community
School on how to call 9–1–1.
PSD Clarence Hom working with kindergartners.
Belques Abozaid, Age 14, Called for an Ambulance
in the Richmond District
On July 6, 2011 Public Safety Dispatcher (PSD) Justin Wong
received a call from 14-year-old Belquez Abozaid, who reported
that her mother was having heart and back problems. PSD Wong
quickly verified the address and telephone number, and entered a
call for medical response in less than one minute. PSD Wong
determined the child’s name and age, and that her mother was short
of breath and having chest pains. In a very calm and reassuring
voice, PSD Wong told the child that paramedics were being sent
and that she was doing a great job. PSD Wong kept Belques
focused by giving clear medical instructions and having her assure
her mother that help was on the way.
PSD Justin Wong and Belques Abozaid receive
certificates from DEM Deputy Director of
Emergency Communications Lisa Hoffmann.
PSD Dawn Shaw Received a Call for an Ambulance
From a 9-Year-Old Child in the Bayview District
On March 29, 2011 Public Safety Dispatcher (PSD) Dawn Shaw
received a call from a woman who asked, “Can you help me please?
I don’t feel good, I need an ambulance.” PSD Shaw asked for the
woman’s address. The woman did not respond; instead her 9-yearold daughter came on the telephone and in a very shaky voice
provided the address for the incident, which PSD Shaw verified and
entered a call for medical response in 23 seconds. PSD Shaw
determined the child’s name and age, and that she was home alone
with her mother. The daughter sounded very upset and frightened.
PSD Shaw provided pre-arrival instructions in a clear and concise
manner, and told the child what a good job she was doing. (The
child is not named for privacy reasons). City and County of San Francisco
PSD Dawn Shaw with Supervisor Malia Cohen,
who represents District 10.
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
37
Annual Report 2011–2012
EMSA Awards
On May 16, 2012, DEM was pleased to organize the 14th Annual Emergency Medical Services Agency (EMSA) and
San Francisco Paramedic Association Award Program. Seven individuals were honored for their dedication to the
field of emergency medical services and to those they aid.
EMS Field Providers Award:
Firefighter Anthony Valerio, EMT-P and Lt. Vincent Perez, EMT-1 received posthumous awards
for many years of outstanding performance as a paramedic and an EMT, and for their extraordinary bravery as
firefighters in the San Francisco Fire Department. On June 2, 2011, Anthony and Vincent lost their lives in the line of
duty fighting a fire in Diamond Heights.
Firefighter Anthony Valerio’s parents.
Lt. Vincent Perez’s family.
EMS Hospital Provider Award:
Terry Dentoni, RN, MSN with San Francisco General
Hospital received this award for outstanding performance
providing more than 25 years of emergency and critical care
nursing at San Francisco General Hospital, and for creative and
energetic support of satellite sobering centers at special events.
Seven individuals
Terry Dentoni with Director of Public Health
Barbara Garcia.
were honored for their
dedication to the field of
emergency medical services
and to those they aid.
38
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
Department of Emergency Management
Annual Report 2011–2012
EMS Community Services Award:
Elaine Rodahl, RN for her leadership promoting and
teaching CPR to thousands of people, and for her tireless work
with the American Heart Association to improve the survival rate
from cardiac arrest in the Bay Area.
Elaine Rodahl.
EMS Dispatcher of the Year:
Ulysses “Jim” Levy, EMD received this award for his 18
years of outstanding performance as a dispatcher, especially for
his extraordinary skill in handling stressful medical calls in a
calm and professional manner, as he did in November 2011 when
he assisted a father in the delivery of his baby.
Raymond Lim Excellence in EMS Award:
EMS Dispatcher Ulysses J. Levy (second from
right) holding the infant he helped to deliver.
Paramedic Captain James M. Fazackerley, EMT-P,
SFFD received the Raymond Lim Excellence in EMS award for
exceptional performance as a paramedic instructor, supervisor
and manager for 29 years, and for leadership and innovation in
emergency medical services.
Captain James M. Fazackerley.
Special Recognition Award: Willie Orey, Jr, EMT-1, AMR received this award posthumously for years of outstanding performance as a unit
detailer, stocker and EMT, and for several years of service as a
CCT-EMT for San Francisco Ambulance.
Willie Orey’s family.
City and County of San Francisco
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
39
Annual Report 2011–2012
Budget Overview
FY 11–12 Sources = $43.55M
FY 11–12 Uses = $43.55M
Salaries and
Mandatory
Fringes
68%
GF Subsidy
95%
Workorder
Services
14%
Debt Service
8%
Grants
2%
Workorder
Recovery
2%
Revenue
1%
Materials and
Supplies
1%
Grants
2%
NonPersonnel
Expenses
4%
Capital Outlay
3%
Key Budget Changes in FY 11–12

Received $1.2 million in COIT funding to upgrade the City’s critical Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. 
Decreased interdepartmental workorder services by $1.54 million. Five Year Historical Overview of Departmental Budget
General Fund
Non-General Fund
Total
FY 07–08
$3,573,548
$60,707,881
$64,281,429
FY 08–09
$3,224,032
$56,982,100
$60,206,132
3
FY 09–10
$45,370,314
$1,428,378
$46,798,692
FY 10–11
$39,347,844
$1,920,514
$41,268,358
FY 11–12
$42,510,023
$1,038,838
$43,548,861
Five Year Historical Overview of Departmental Staffing Levels
Budgeted and
Funded FTE
FY 07–08
FY 08–09
FY 09–10
FY 10–11
FY 11–12
225.98
227.93
244.40
262.64
255.07
3
In FY 09–10, the 9–1–1 fee, which previously funded most of DEM’s operations, was replaced under Proposition O by the Access
Line Tax (ALT). The ALT goes directly to the City’s General Fund.
40
“Our City, Ready for Anything”
Department of Emergency Management
Special Thanks To:
Amiee Alden
Laura Adleman
Patrick Monette-Shaw
David Ebarle
Rob Dudgeon
Lisa Hoffmann
Will Lee
Bijan Karimi
Steve LaPlante
Alicia Johnson
Mitch Sutton
Terrence Daniel
Kristin Hogan
Jill Raycroft
Amy Ramirez
Lucas Eckroad
Connie Halog
Kay Vasilyeva
Michelle Geddes
JoAnn Hicks
Patrick Leung
Robert Stengel